Chapter 2

Aurora POV

The mahogany boardroom table vibrated under my palms. I kept my seat two chairs down from the head of the table, purposely avoiding the central leather throne. My thick thighs filled out my tailored black trousers, and my burgundy silk top draped heavily over my shoulders. I didn't hide my size anymore. My abusive ex-husband, Alpha Julian, spent years calling me a soft, oversized burden before trading me away like livestock.

He was wrong for sure because my curves weren't soft. They were heavy, solid muscle, earned from fourteen years of running pack security.

The double doors clicked open. The murmurs in the room died instantly.

Supreme Alpha Smith Calloway walked in.

He stood six-foot-four, his deep brown skin flawless against his charcoal suit. His grey eyes immediately scanned the room. When they saw my face, the mood suddenly felt different. The thread of our fated bond. Gosh, the one I publicly rejected eight months ago.

Now I can’t help but feel a burning sensation in my chest.

Smith didn't look away. He simply buttoned his jacket and took his seat.

Beside him stood Rio Santos, his head of security. Rio was a quiet, lethal force with a broad frame which I always admired. Yet, as I adjusted my folder, I saw Rio’s dark eyes dropping to the swell of my hips. A raw, hunger flickered in his gaze, something entirely unrelated to pack politics.

"Thank you for coming on short notice," Smith’s baritone voice echoed through the room. He clicked a remote, and the digital screen behind him flashed. Four Midwestern cities blinked in bleeding red. "Detroit, Milwaukee, Indianapolis. Chicago. We lost three warriors in Detroit last week and now they’re under surgical conditions. This isn't random rogue chaos to be honest."

The Alphas around the table acted uncomfortably.

"I am forming a joint continental task force," Smith continued, opening a leather folder. "Senior representatives only would be working directly under my command." He read four names of high-ranking wolves. Then, his grey eyes locked back onto mine. "Aurora Voss the Beta Commander of Ashwood Pack."

A collective breath hitched instantly over there. Everyone knew the rumor. I mean the rejection wasn’t a private one either so it’s expected. They knew I stood before three hundred wolves, shoved my rejection into his face, and walked out.

"The initial sweep moves south to north," Smith said, turning back to the map. "Detroit first, then Milwaukee before we strike Indianapolis last."

"That’s a mistake," I said.

My voice was loud enough to stop every conversation in the room. Marcus Grey, my Ashwood Alpha was sitting across from me, closed his eyes repeatedly trying to signal me to stop but I ignored him.

"Indianapolis first," I stated, leaning my forearms on the table. "Look at the time stamps. The rogue attacks aren't moving north dear.  They are circling inward literally. I mean Indianapolis is the closest point to Chicago. If they are practicing, they would definitely prepare to hit the heart of the summit and we would be wasting time at the far end of the map literally."

An older Alpha from the Detroit pack slammed his hand down. "You dare question the Supreme Leader, Beta?"

I shot him an irritated look. “Was I talking to you?” Everyone suddenly gasped once more. Marcus's eyes bulged open and I knew the next word in his mind was ‘drama.’

Smith held up a single, large hand. The room went silent. He stared at me for three long seconds, his face completely unreadable. Then, he looked at his technicians.

"Indianapolis first," Smith commanded plainly. "Adjust the framework then, meeting adjourned."

I stood up immediately, grabbed my folders, and bolted for the double doors, pushing into the carpeted hallway.

"Aurora."

The voice didn't belong to Smith. I turned to find Rio Santos stepping out of the shadows of the corridor. He stopped just inches away from me, his massive chest nearly brushing my shoulder.

"You're bleeding through your shirt," Rio murmured.

I looked down. A small, dark circle of red bloomed against the burgundy silk near my collarbone. The physical toll of the rejected bond literally tore my skin apart, opening old scars.

"I'm fine," I lied.

"You're a terrible liar, Commander," Rio said. Before I could pull away, his large, scarred hand reached out towards me,  his thumb gently brushing the side of my neck.

A shockwave erupted from his touch. My wolf didn't growl; she howled in satisfaction. Rio’s eyes showed signs of satisfaction and his grip tightened on my shoulder, which gave signs of protective possession that left me breathless.

"Get away from her, Rio."

The ice-cold command echoed down the hall. Smith stood by the boardroom doors, his hands shoved into his pockets, his grey eyes blazing with a terrifying, territorial fury.